Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 2026

Pre-Chiasmatic, Single Injection of Autologous Blood to Induce Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a Rat Model
09:14

Pre-Chiasmatic, Single Injection of Autologous Blood to Induce Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a Rat Model

Published on: June 18, 2021

Aseptic meningoencephalitis mimicking transient ischaemic attacks

V Papavasileiou1, H Milionis, M Cordier

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41110, Biopolis, Larissa, Greece.

Infection
|January 18, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Aseptic meningoencephalitis can mimic transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). Recognizing subtle signs like sensory hemisyndrome and cognitive deficits is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, differentiating it from stroke.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neuroimaging

Background:

  • Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a common neurological emergency.
  • Accurate differential diagnosis is critical to guide appropriate management.
  • Meningoencephalitis can present with symptoms overlapping those of TIA.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify meningoencephalitis as a mimic of TIA.
  • To suggest clinical indicators for differentiating meningoencephalitis from TIA.
  • To emphasize the importance of considering meningoencephalitis in TIA-like presentations.

Main Methods:

  • Observational study of patients presenting with TIA-like symptoms.
  • Analysis of clinical presentations, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings, and brain MRI results.
  • Review of diagnostic work-up and treatment outcomes over a 9.75-year period.

Main Results:

  • Seven cases of meningoencephalitis mimicking TIA were identified among 790 TIA patients.
  • Common presentations included acute sensory hemisyndrome and cognitive deficits.
  • CSF analysis revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis and normal glucose index; MRI showed meningeal thickening.

Conclusions:

  • Aseptic meningoencephalitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of TIA.
  • Lumbar puncture threshold should be individualized based on clinical factors and imaging.
  • Early recognition and appropriate management are vital for patients with TIA-like symptoms.

More Related Videos

A Model for Epilepsy of Infectious Etiology using Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus05:33

A Model for Epilepsy of Infectious Etiology using Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus

Published on: June 23, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction01:26

Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...